Bac Lieu (VNA) – The protection of submered forests means conservingthe environment in the most sustainable way as they play a key role in coastalerosion prevention, biodiversity protection and livelihood provision, ahigh-ranking official said on May 31.
Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment VoTuan Nhan made the statement at a ceremony to launch submerged forestplantation campaign held in the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu.
He further said that the campaign was organised to promote forest regenerationas part of efforts to respond to climate change and ensure stable livelihoodfor locals in Bac Lieu province as well as coastal localities across thenation.
In Bac Lieu, forests, small as they are, play an important role to theprovince’s security-defence, socio-economic development, biodiversityprotection, and aquaculture farming. The provincial forest protectiondepartment is now managing and protecting 7,500 hectares of forests while 400organisations, households and individuals are responsible for taking care of3,100 hectares of forest land.
The province has carried out three afforestation projects on a coastline ofover 20 km in Hoa Binh district’s Vinh Hau and Vinh Thinh communes, Dong Hai district’sLong Dien Dong commune and Ganh Hao town, and Bac Lieu city. A total of 350hectares of submerged forests were developed in the areas.
The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is asking localauthorities to spend more on infrastructure development and purchase ofequipment for forest protection.
Besides, the provincial People’s Committee should direct the People’s Committeesat district and city levels to tighten state management in the forestry sector,and outline rational policies for farmers who engage in forest protection.-VNA